Powered toothbrush head having combination oscillating motion tuft block

ABSTRACT

A powered toothbrush head that, in one embodiment, includes a head portion including a first movable tuft block configured for holding tooth cleaning elements. The first movable tuft block is operably connected to a motor-driven drift shaft for movement. An eccentric cam formed on the shaft drives the first movable tuft block via engagement with a slot formed in the body of the first movable tuft block. The first movable tuft block is movable in a combination oscillating motion comprising vertical motion and lateral pivoting or tilting motion upon rotation of the drive shaft. A related method for oscillating the first movable tuft block is disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/106,581, filed on Jun. 20, 2016, which is a national stage entry ofPCT Application No. PCT/US2014/070921, filed on Dec. 17, 2014, whichclaims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 201310701288.0, filedon Dec. 19, 2013, the entireties of which are incorporated by referenceherein

BACKGROUND

Powered toothbrushes are known having various movable tuft blocks onwhich tooth cleaning elements are mounted. These toothbrushes include anelectric motor driven shaft configured to impart movement to the tuftblocks. Improvements and advancements of such powered toothbrushes aredesirable.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, the invention may be a powered toothbrushhead comprising: a head portion comprising a longitudinal axis and acavity in a front side of the head portion; a rotatable drive shaftextending through the head portion into the cavity, the drive shaftdefining a first axis of rotation and including a first cam; a firstmovable tuft block disposed at least partially in the cavity and havingan elongated slot operably engaged with the cam; the first movable tuftblock including an upper portion configured for retaining tooth cleaningelements, a lower base portion, and a reduced width intermediate portionbetween the upper and base portions; wherein the first movable tuftblock is movable in a combination oscillating motion about thelongitudinal axis comprising vertical motion and tilting motion uponrotation of the drive shaft.

According to another embodiment, the invention can be a poweredtoothbrush comprising: a handle portion comprising a motor; a headportion comprising a longitudinal axis, the head portion including arear wall and lateral side walls defining an open cavity; a rotatablecylindrical drive shaft operably connected to the motor and extendingthrough the head portion into the cavity, the drive shaft defining afirst axis of rotation and having an axially offset segment defining afirst cam; a first movable tuft block disposed at least partially in thecavity and having a vertically elongated slot operably engaged with thefirst cam; the first movable tuft block including an upper portionconfigured for retaining tooth cleaning elements, a lower base portion,and a reduced width intermediate portion connected between the upper andbase portions; wherein the first movable tuft block is movable in acombination oscillating motion about the longitudinal axis comprising avertical motion and a tilting motion produced by rotation of the driveshaft.

In a further embodiment, the invention can be a method for oscillating afirst movable tuft block of a powered toothbrush in a brushing action,the method comprising: (a) providing a powered toothbrush having a headportion comprising a vertical axis and including a rotatable drive shaftdriven by a motor, the head portion including a first movable tuft blockoperably coupled to the drive shaft and movable in an oscillation cyclethrough a bottom vertical position and a top vertical position; (b)placing the first movable tuft block in the bottom vertical positionwith the first movable tuft block in an upright orientation wherein atop surface of the tuft block faces upwards; (c) rotating the driveshaft; (d) pivoting the first movable tuft block outwards away from thevertical axis in a first lateral direction and into a first tiltedorientation wherein the top surface of the first movable tuft blockfaces outwards away from the vertical axis; (e) vertically raising thefirst movable tuft block towards the top vertical position while atleast partially maintaining the first tilted orientation; (f) pivotingthe first movable tuft block inwards back toward the vertical axis andinto the top vertical position wherein the first movable tuft blockresumes an upright orientation; (g) pivoting the first movable tuftblock outwards away from the vertical axis in a second lateral directionand into a second tilted orientation wherein the top surface of thefirst movable tuft block faces outwards away from the vertical axis; (h)vertically lowering the first movable tuft block towards the bottomvertical position while at least partially maintaining the second tiltedorientation; and (i) pivoting the first movable tuft block inwards inthe first lateral direction back towards the vertical axis and into thebottom vertical position wherein the first movable tuft block resumes anupright orientation, thereby completing one oscillation cycle of thefirst movable tuft block.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a powered toothbrush according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2A is cross sectional perspective view of the head portion of thetoothbrush taken along line IIA-IIA in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a side cross sectional view of the head portion of thetoothbrush taken along line IIB-IIB in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a transverse cross sectional view of a movable tuft blocktaken along line in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A-I show sequential transverse cross sectional views of themovable tuft block of FIG. 3 during an oscillation cycle of amotor-driven brushing action;

FIG. 5 is a transverse cross sectional view of an alternative embodimentof a movable tuft block;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are side cross sectional and top plan views respectivelyof an alternative embodiment of a powered toothbrush head portion; and

FIG. 7 is a side cross sectional view of the handle portion oftoothbrush of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses.

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles ofthe present invention is intended to be read in connection with theaccompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entirewritten description. In the description of embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merelyintended for convenience of description and is not intended in any wayto limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as“lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,”“down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g.,“horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed torefer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawingunder discussion. These relative terms are for convenience ofdescription only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed oroperated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated assuch. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,”“interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structuresare secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectlythrough intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigidattachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated byreference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the inventionexpressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodimentsillustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that mayexist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of theinvention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

FIG. 1 depicts a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of an oral careimplement in the form of an electric-powered toothbrush 100. Toothbrush100 includes an elongated body 101 including a handle portion 102defining a proximal end 103, a head portion 104 defining a distal end105, and a longitudinal axis LA extending between the proximal anddistal ends. Head portion 104 supports a plurality of tooth cleaningelements 106. In one embodiment, head portion 104 may be detachablymounted to handle portion 102 to form a replaceable unit or refillthereby allowing a user to replenish the head portion after the toothcleaning elements 106 have been worn and/or to change the type of toothcleaning elements. Accordingly, a separable joint is formed between thehead and handle portions 104, 102 of toothbrush 100 in such embodiments.

Handle portion 102 and head portion 104 of toothbrush 100 may beconstructed of a material or combination of materials having suitablerigidity for grasping/handling the toothbrush and supporting the toothcleaning elements 106, respectively. Suitable exemplary materials thatmay be used include, without limitation, hard plastics, such aspolyethylene, polypropylene (PP), polyamide, polyester, cellulosics,SAN, acrylic, ABS and other thermoplastics suitable for toothbrushmanufacture. The handle portion 102 and head portion 104 may be made ofthe same or different materials in various embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts a cross sectional side elevation view of toothbrushhandle portion 102 alone. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, handle portion 102includes a top wall 181, bottom wall 182, and side walls 183 extendingbetween the top and bottom. Top wall 181 may include a socket 180configured for receiving a complementary configured stem 184 on headportion 104 (see, e.g. FIGS. 2A and 2B) for mounting the head portion tothe handle portion. In one embodiment, socket 180 and stem 184 may havecircular cross sections; however, any suitable cross sectional shapeincluding rectilinear and polygonal shapes may be provided (e.g. square,hexagonal, triangular, etc.).

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, handle portion 102 further includes aninternal chamber 172 which defines a motor compartment 173 a forsupporting electric motor 170 and a battery compartment 173 b configuredfor holding one or more batteries 174. Motor and battery compartments173 a, 173 b may be contiguous or isolated from each other in chamber172. Batteries 174 may be of any type including replaceable cells and/orrechargeable cells which are electrically connected to motor 170 viaelectrical connectors 175 which may include conductive contacts, wires,etc. Motor 170 includes a revolving rotor 171 have an end drive coupling176 configured for detachable coupling to and driving a drive shaft 130disposed in toothbrush head portion 104 (see, e.g. FIGS. 2A and 2B).Rotation of the motor rotor 171 in turn rotates the drive shaft 130about its central axis CA. An operating panel 300 is provided which iselectrically connected to motor 170 and includes switches or other typeactuators for controlling on/off operation and/or speed of the motor.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict cross sectional perspective and side elevationviews of toothbrush head portion 104 alone. FIG. 3 depicts a transversecross section taken along line III-III in FIG. 1 through one of the tuftblocks 140. In one configuration, head portion 104 includes a head 110and an elongated neck 107 connected to the head. Neck 107 defines anopen proximal end 108 of head portion 104 lying along longitudinal axisLA opposite distal end 105 of toothbrush 100 which is defined by head110. Proximal end 108 is configured for detachable mounting to a distalend 109 of the handle portion 102.

Toothbrush head 110 comprises a front side 111, an opposing rear wall112, and opposing lateral side walls 113 extending around the peripheryof the head. The rear and side walls 112, 113 define an internal cavity114 which is open through the front side 111 of the head 110 andconfigured to receive tuft blocks 120, 140, as further described herein.Cavity 114 may therefore have a closed bottom surface 116 formed by rearwall 112 of head 110 and open top 117 facing and extending through thefront side 111 of the head.

The rear walls 112 and lateral side walls 113 of head 110 can take on awide variety of shapes and contours, none of which are limiting of thepresent invention. For example, these walls can be planar, contoured, orcombinations thereof. Head 110 may be laterally widened in a directiontransverse to longitudinal axis LA in contrast to neck 107 in someembodiments for supporting a variety of tooth cleaning elements 106.

In the exemplary embodiment, the neck 107 and head 110 of head portion104 may be integrally formed as a single unitary structure using amolding, milling, machining and/or other suitable fabrication processes.However, in other embodiments the neck 107 and head 110 may be formed asseparate components which are then connected at a later stage of themanufacturing process by any suitable technique known in the art,including without limitation thermal or ultrasonic welding, a tight-fitassembly, a coupling sleeve, threaded engagement, adhesion, orfasteners. Whether the head 110 and the handle 120 are of a unitary ormulti-piece construction (including connection techniques) is notlimiting of the present invention, unless specifically claimed.

Head 110 of toothbrush 100 is configured and structured to support aplurality and variety of different tooth cleaning elements 106 from thefront side 111. As used herein, the term “tooth cleaning elements” isused in a broad generic sense to refer to any structure whatsoever thatcan be used to clean, polish, scrape, or wipe the teeth and/or soft oraltissue (e.g. tongue, cheek, gums, etc.) through relative surfacecontact. Examples of tooth cleaning elements that may be used include,without limitation, bristle tufts, filament bristles, fiber bristles,nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, elastomericprotrusions, flexible polymer protrusions, combinations thereof and/orstructures containing such materials or combinations. Suitableelastomeric materials include any biocompatible resilient materialssuitable for uses in an oral hygiene apparatus. The tooth cleaningelements 106 may be attached to head 110 by any suitable method used inthe art. For example, without limitation, in-mold tufting (IFT) oranchor free tufting (AFT) could be used to mount the cleaning elements.Accordingly, invention is not limited by the types of tooth cleaningelements 106 provided or method of anchoring those elements to head 110of head portion 104.

In one non-limiting embodiment, neck 107 may be generally tubular shapedhaving a circular and annular transverse cross section which may vary indiameter along the length of the neck in some configurations. Numerousother variations in the shape and configuration of neck 107 arepossible. Neck 107 defines a longitudinally extending internalpassageway 115 which extends through the neck from open proximal end 108of head portion 104 into open cavity 114 formed in the head 110.Passageway 115 therefore communicates with cavity 114.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-B and 3, a drive shaft 130 is rotatably disposedinside head portion 104. Drive shaft 130 extends through internalpassageway 115 from a point near proximal end 108 towards distal end 105along longitudinal axis LA. In one embodiment, drive shaft 130 has adriven proximal section 136 a disposed in neck 107 which may besubstantially straight in one non-limiting embodiment and a workingdistal section 136 b projecting into open cavity 114 of head 110 that isconfigured for operating movable tuft blocks 120, 140, as furtherdescribed herein. Proximal end 133 of drive shaft 130 includes anadapter coupling 132 configured for detachably engaging drive coupling176 of motor 170 disposed in handle portion 102 (see FIG. 7), therebycoupling the drive shaft to the motor. Rotation of the motor rotor 171in turn rotates the drive shaft 130 about its central axis CA. Invarious embodiments, central axis CA may be concentrically aligned withor parallel to longitudinal axis LA. A bearing 135 may be disposedbetween the proximal and distal sections 136 a, 136 b of the drive shaft130 near the conjuncture between the neck 107 and head 110 forsupporting the drive shaft 130. This helps support the working distalsection 136 b against transverse or shear forces imposed on the driveshaft 130 when a user is brushing and presses the tooth cleaningelements 106A against their oral surfaces.

Toothbrush head 110 may include one or more powered movable tuft blocks120 and 140 which are engaged by distal section 136 b of drive shaft130. Tuft blocks 120, 140 are each configured for mounting a pluralityof moving tooth cleaning elements 106A thereto, as further describedherein. Each shaft-driven tuft block 120, 140 may include tooth cleaningelements 106A in the form of bristles and/or elastomeric cleaningelements. Head 110 may further include non-motor-driven fixed orstationary tooth cleaning elements 106B in addition to any movable tuftblocks provided. The stationary tooth cleaning elements 106B maysimilarly include bristles and/or elastomeric cleaning elements. As usedherein, the terms “movable” tuft blocks and “moving” tooth cleaningelements refers to tuft blocks and tooth cleaning elements which havemotion produced via operation of a power drive (e.g. motor) withoutcontact with a user's oral surfaces (e.g. teeth, gums, etc.) duringbrushing to impart movement. The terms “fixed” or “stationary” toothcleaning elements refers to elements that are static when not in contactwith a user's oral surfaces and move primarily only as a result of thetooth brushing action.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, tuft block 120 may be a distal-most tuftblock disposed near distal end 105 and end wall 169 of toothbrush head110. In one embodiment, tuft block 120 may be an oscillating type tuftblock as described U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,916, which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety. Tuft block 120 is rotationally andarcuately movable back and forth in reversible directions through alimited arcuate path around a center support spindle 121 which isoriented transversely to longitudinal axis LA and defines an axis ofrotation. Spindle 121 may be mounted in and supported by a suitablebearing 122 disposed in receptacle 124 formed inside cavity 114 toprovide smooth rotational movement of the spindle. In some embodiments,a majority of tuft block 120 may be generally positioned in open cavity114 formed in head 110.

In one embodiment, tuft block 120 is actuated and operated by a firstangular offset segment formed by a curved or eccentric distal end 134 ofdrive shaft 130 which defines a first eccentric cam 138. Cam 138 mayhave a generally hooked configuration which includes a double bendhaving a first portion bent outwards away from the central axis CA ofdrive shaft 130 and a second portion bent back inwards towards thecentral axis CA. Cam 138 engages an operating slot 137 formed in a sideof tuft block 120. Rotation of drive shaft 130 through 360 degreesoscillates or pivots tuft block 120 back and forth transversely tolongitudinal axis LA of toothbrush 100 through an arcuate path of motionaround spindle 121. In one representative but non-limiting example, thearcuate path of motion may be between about and including 10-90 degrees,and more particularly 20-30 degrees in some embodiments.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, tuft block 120 includes a plurality ofopenings 125 formed in an outward facing top surface 126 of an upperbristle holding portion 123 which are configured for inserting andmounting bristle tufts and/or elastomeric cleaning elements through theopenings. Openings 125 may be of any suitable shape (in top plan view).Tuft block 120 may have any suitable configuration. In one non-limitingembodiment, tuft block 120 may have a circular shape in top plan view.Numerous other variations in shape are possible.

Referring initially to FIGS. 2A-B and 3, tuft block 140 in onenon-limiting exemplary embodiment may be generally T-shaped ormushroom-shaped in transverse cross section. Toothbrush 140 includes anupper bristle holding portion 142, a lower base portion 143, and anarrowed reduced width intermediate portion 144 between portions 142 and143. Bristle holding portion 142 has a vertical height sufficient formounting bristles and/or elastomeric tooth cleaning members. A pluralityof openings 158 formed in an outward facing top surface 159 of an upperbristle holding portion 142 are configured for inserting and mountingbristle tufts and/or elastomeric cleaning elements such as toothcleaning elements 106A (illustrated in dashed lines) through theopenings. Openings 158 may be any suitable shape (in top plan view). Topsurface 159 extends transversely to longitudinal axis LA between theopposing lateral sides 160. In one embodiment, top surface 159 may besubstantially flat; however, arcuately curved or undulating profiles mayalso be used. Tuft block 140 may be longitudinally elongated having alarger axial length (measured parallel to longitudinal axis LA) thanlateral width measured between the lateral sides 160.

In one embodiment, bristle holding portion 142 has a width W1 which maybe wider than width W2 of the intermediate portion 144 (measured at itsnarrowest point between lateral sides 161), and in some embodimentswidth W1 may be wider than width W3 of base portion 143 between lateralsides 162. Width W2 of intermediate portion 144 may be smaller than bothwidths W1 and W3 of bristle holding and base portions 142 and 143,respectively. This captures or traps the base portion 143 in areceptacle 145 formed within a portion of cavity 114 in toothbrush head110 to prevent the tuft block 140 from being transversely extracted fromthe cavity through the front side 111 of the head, as further describedherein.

Receptacle 145 may be formed and defined by opposing lateral walls 146a, 146 b positioned in cavity 114 (see, e.g. FIG. 3). Walls 146 a, 146 bmay be separate structures mounted inside the cavity 114 or may beformed by integral interior portions of lateral side walls 113 of thetoothbrush head 110. In one embodiment, walls 146 a, 146 b may furtherdefine a pair of inward projecting operating flanges 147 which eachextend towards longitudinal axis LA. Flanges 147 are spacedlaterally/transversely apart to form a reduced width entrance 148 toreceptacle 145 from front side 111 of toothbrush head 110. Entrance 148has a lateral width W2 which is less than width W4 of receptacle 145.The free ends of flanges 147 may each have convexly curved or roundedsurfaces to smoothly and slidingly engage tuft block 140, as furtherdescribed herein. Portions of walls 146 a, 146 b below flanges 147 maybe substantially vertical in one embodiment. The transition or shoulders154 formed between flanges 147 and walls 146 a, 146 b may be concavelyrounded to avoid sharp corners and provide a gradually contoured slidingsurface configured to abuttingly and slidingly contact outwardly flaredleg extensions 153 on base portion 143 of tuft block 140 for smoothmovement.

A bottom portion of the receptacle 145 may further include an upwardlyextending protuberance 149 formed above and generally proximate to andadjacent rear wall 112 of toothbrush head 110. Referring to FIGS. 2A-Band 3, protuberance 149 defines a pivot configured to engage a bottomsurface 150 formed on base portion 143 of tuft block 140. In oneembodiment, protuberance 149 may be generally shaped as a longitudinallyextending ridge formed inside receptacle 145. In that configuration,protuberance 149 may have an axial length measured along thelongitudinal axis LA which is substantially coextensive with the axiallength of base portion 143 of tuft block 140 to restrict movement of thetuft block to a side-to-side lateral rocking motion and minimize rockingin a back and forth direction (i.e. proximal to distal) along thelongitudinal axis LA. A ridge-shaped protuberance 149 may have acontinuous or interrupted length and structure. Other variations in theshape and configuration of protuberance 149 however are possible. Forexample, in another possible embodiment, protuberance 149 may have asemi-spherical or half round shape (e.g. dimple or nub) with a limitedaxial length substantially less than the axial length of tuft block baseportion 143.

In one embodiment, protuberance 149 may be formed on a raised pedestal151 extending upwards from the bottom surface 116 of the cavity 114within the confines of receptacle 145. Pedestal 151 may be a separatestructure mounted inside the receptacle 145 or may be formed by integralinterior portion of rear wall 112 of the toothbrush head 110. Thepedestal 151 forms two pockets 152 on either lateral side for receivinglaterally and outwardly flared leg extensions 153 on base portion 143 oftuft block 140 during movement of the tuft block. Leg extensions 153extend laterally farther than intermediate portion 144 of tuft block140.

Referring to FIG. 3, intermediate portion 144 may have generally concavecurved lateral surfaces 155 for abuttingly and slidingly engaging therounded flanges 147 formed in toothbrush head 110. This ensures smoothand unbinding motion as the tuft block 140 moves through its variouspositions, as further described herein. Similarly, the underside ofupper bristle holding portion 142 of tuft block 140 may includeconcavely rounded bottom surfaces 156 contoured for smoothly engagingthe top surface 157 of rounded flanges 147 formed in toothbrush head110. The top surface may be configured to include raised longitudinallyextending rails 157 a to facilitate smooth non-binding contact with theunderside surfaces 156 of the tuft block upper bristle holding portion142.

In one embodiment, tuft block 140 is mounted on and actuated by a secondangular offset segment formed by a curved or eccentric portion of driveshaft 130 which defines a second eccentric cam 139. Referring to FIGS.2A, 2B, and 3, cam 139 is disposed between distal end 134 and proximalend 133 of drive shaft 130. In various embodiments, cam 139 may includeat least one bend 139 a as shown with an adjoining straight segment 139b having an axis which is transversely offset from and parallel tocentral axis CA of drive shaft 130. Cam 139 is configured and arrangedto engage a vertically oriented and elongated operating slot 141 in tuftblock 140 for moving the tuft block in a plurality of directionstransverse to longitudinal axis LA of toothbrush 100 as the drive shaft130 rotates. In one alternative embodiment, two bends 139 a may beprovided with offset straight segment 139 b disposed therebetween.

It should be noted that in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, none of theperipheral edges or sides of tuft block 140 are attached or coupled totoothbrush head 110 so that the tuft block is freely movable totranslate in position vertically, laterally, and angularly (i.e.tilting) transverse to longitudinal axis LA when driven by drive shaftcam 139. This allows tuft block 140 to simulate a Bass brushingtechnique preferred by many oral care professionals. The sole point ofcoupling in the present embodiment between tuft block 140 and thetoothbrush head portion 104 is via cam 139 engaging slot 141 formed inintermediate portion 144 of the tuft block. The range of vertical,lateral, and angular motion may be restricted by design via engagementbetween base and intermediate portions 143, 144 of tuft block 140 andflanges 147 formed in receptacle 145 of toothbrush head 110, as furtherdescribed herein.

The powered operation and brushing motion created by tuft block 140 willnow be described in greater detail. FIGS. 4A-I illustrate sequential“still” images showing various positions of tuft block 140 occurringduring completion of a full oscillation cycle of tuft block 140 whendriven by motorized drive shaft 130. It will be appreciated that thesepositions shown occur rapidly in a fraction of a second as part of acontinuous cyclical motion produced by the rotating drive shaft andeccentric cam 139 formed thereon. In this embodiment, the oscillationcycle of brushing motion replicates the Bass brushing technique.

For clarity, all elements of tuft block 140 have not been labeled inFIGS. 4A-I for clarity to better show the positions of the tuft block inmotion and interaction with various parts of the toothbrush headportion. Accordingly, reference should also be made to FIG. 3recognizing that similarly drawn parts without labels are the same inFIGS. 4A-I as in FIG. 3.

In one exemplary embodiment, a method for moving a tuft block 140 of apowered toothbrush 100 through an oscillation cycle includes firstproviding a powered toothbrush 100 having a movable head portion 104. InFIGS. 4A-I, the drive shaft 130 rotates in a clockwise direction andeccentric cam 139 rotates clockwise about the drive shaft to drive tuftblock 140 through the oscillation cycle. The vertical axis VA shown inFIGS. 3 and 4A-I will provide a plane of reference useful in describingthe orientation of tuft block 140 during various parts of theoscillation cycle. The drive shaft 130 defines a longitudinally orientedor horizontal axis of rotation extending along longitudinal axis LAthereby providing another point of reference for describing the motionof tuft block 140. Because the top (upper bristle holding portion 142),bottom (base portion 143), and lateral sides of tuft block 140 (i.e.lateral sides 160, 161, and 162) are not physically attached to thelateral side walls 113 or bottom wall 112 of toothbrush head 110 inwhich the tuft block is mounted, this free floating arrangement of tuftblock 140 advantageously provides three degrees of motion not beingconstrained to simply vertical movement or pivoting movement about afixed pivot axis alone. Accordingly, tuft block 140 is free to moveangularly (i.e. rock or tilt), vertically, and laterally (horizontally)allowing an oscillation cycle of motion to be provided by a poweredtoothbrush that beneficially replicates compound brushing motions (e.g.Bass motion) normally achieved by manual brushing techniques.

Tuft block 140 is movable in an oscillation cycle through a lowermostbottom vertical position “B” shown in FIG. 4A and an uppermost topvertical position “T” shown in FIG. 4E via a combination of verticalraising/lowering, lateral, and tilting motions, as further describedherein.

The oscillation cycle will be described for convenience withoutlimitation with arbitrarily locating tuft block 140 in a startingposition at the bottom vertical position “B” shown in FIG. 4A. Tuftblock 140 is in an upright orientation wherein top surface 159 of thetuft block faces upwards and is oriented at an angle A1 of approximately90 degrees (i.e. perpendicular) to vertical axis VA of head portion 104.Accordingly, tuft block 140 is not substantially tilted or angled to oneside or the other of vertical axis VA such that the lateral sides 160 ofthe upper bristle holding portion 142 are each spaced approximatelyequidistant from and parallel to the vertical axis.

In the starting bottom vertical position “B”, the bottom surface 156 ofupper bristle holding portion 142 is in contact with or locatedproximate to top surface 157 of opposing flanges 147 (see FIG. 4A).Bottom surface 150 of tuft block base portion 143 is vertically spaceddistally to flanges 147 and proximately to protuberance 149. In someembodiments, the bottom surface 150 may contact and rest on protuberance149. In this upright orientation of tuft block 140, small lateral gapsmay be present in some arrangements between reduced width intermediateportion 144 of the tuft block and the free ends of flanges 147 on thetoothbrush head portion 104.

To further describe orientations of tuft block 140 with respect tovertical axis VA during an oscillation cycle, tuft block 140 may beconsidered to define a vertical centerline VC extending verticallythrough the tuft block and oriented perpendicular to top surface 159 ofthe upper bristle holding portion 142 (see, e.g. FIG. 4B). Verticalcenterline VC is further defined as extending through drive shaft 130and spaced equidistant between the lateral sides 160 of upper bristleholding portion 142. In the bottom vertical position “B” of tuft block140 shown in FIG. 4A, vertical centerline VC is axially aligned andcoincides with vertical axis VA of toothbrush head portion 104. It willbe noted that vertical axis VA associated with toothbrush head portion104 provides a fixed or stationary point of reference on toothbrush headportion 104 while vertical centerline VC provides an angularly movablepoint of reference depending on the various tilted or canted orientationof tuft block 140 reached during different times or points in anoscillation cycle, as further described herein.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the next step in the method includes partiallyrotating the drive shaft using motor 170 (clockwise) through an angle ofrotation less than 360 degrees which would represent one completerevolution of the drive shaft 130 and concomitantly one completeoscillation cycle of tuft block 140. During this initial partial shaftrotation, eccentric cam 139 begins to move clockwise about drive shaft130. Through engagement of cam 139 with slot 141, the camming motionsimultaneously begins to pivot or tilt tuft block 140 away from thevertical axis VA in a first lateral direction (i.e. left) such thatvertical centerline VC is no longer axially aligned with vertical axisVA. The left lateral side 161 of intermediate portion 144 may translatelaterally in position and come into contact with the left flange 147which restricts the lateral displacement of tuft block 140 by cam 139.

Continuing rotation of the drive shaft 130 causes the tuft block 140 tofurther pivot and tilt laterally into a first fully tilted orientation“P1” shown in FIG. 4C facing outwards in a first lateral direction (i.e.to the left). Simultaneously, the tuft block 140 may move verticallyupward slightly. A first tilt angle A2 is formed measured betweenvertical centerline VC and vertical axis VA. Angle A2 is less than 90degrees and in some embodiments may be about 45 degrees or less. Thedegree to which tuft block 140 is tilted and angle A2 may be limited bycontact between left side bottom surface 156 of upper bristle holdingportion 142 and top surface 157 (e.g. rail 157 a), and in someembodiments further or instead of by contact between one of theoutwardly flared leg extensions 153 of base portion 143 (e.g. rightside) with flange 147 or its respective concavely rounded shoulder 154formed between the flange and wall 146 b on the right side of tuft block140 opposite the left flange engaging the bottom surface of the bristleholding portion and direction of tilt.

Further partial clockwise rotation of drive shaft 130 and eccentric cam139 vertically raises the tuft block 140 towards the top verticalposition “T” while at least partially or fully maintaining the firstfully tilted orientation P1 during the translated vertical motion, asshown in FIG. 4D. During this rising motion, the right side outwardlyflared leg extension 153 of base portion 143 maintains contact with andpivots about the right side flange 147 and/or the right shoulder 154 oftoothbrush head portion 104. On the opposing side of tuft block 140, theleft flange 147 slides downwards along curved lateral surface 155 onintermediate portion 144 (compare. FIGS. 4C and 4D).

Further partial clockwise rotation of the drive shaft 130 raises andpivots tuft block 140 back toward the vertical axis VA and into anupright orientation of the top vertical position “T” as shown in FIG.4E. Top surface 159 of upper bristle holding portion 142 is returned toa position substantially perpendicular or 90 degrees (angle A1) tovertical VA such that the vertical centerline VC of tuft block 140 isaxially aligned again and coincides with the vertical axis. Bothoutwardly flared leg extensions 153 of base portion 143 (right and leftside) fully engage and contact their corresponding right and leftflanges 147 and/or the shoulders 154 of toothbrush head portion 104which limits the maximum vertical height reachable by the tuft block140.

Referring to FIG. 4F, the method continues by partially rotating thedrive shaft 130 producing a camming action in which cam 139 begins topivot or tilt tuft block 140 away from the vertical axis VA in a secondlateral direction (i.e. right) such that vertical centerline VC is nolonger axially aligned once again with vertical axis VA. The rightlateral side 161 of intermediate portion 144 may translate laterally inposition and come into contact with the right flange 147 which restrictsthe lateral displacement of tuft block 140 by cam 139.

Continuing rotation of the drive shaft 130 causes the tuft block 140 tofurther pivot and tilt laterally into a second fully tilted orientation“P2” shown in FIG. 4G facing outwards in a second lateral direction(i.e. to the right). Simultaneously, the tuft block 140 may movevertically downward slightly. A second tilt angle A3 is formed measuredbetween vertical centerline VC and vertical axis VA. Angle A3 is lessthan 90 degrees and in some embodiments may be about 45 degrees or less.In one embodiment, angle A3 may substantially equal to angle A2 of thefirst fully tilted position “P1” shown in FIG. 4C and described above.The degree to which tuft block 140 is tilted and angle A3 may be limitedby contact between right side bottom surface 156 of upper bristleholding portion 142 and top surface 157 (e.g. rail 157 b), and in someembodiments further or instead of by contact between one of theoutwardly flared leg extensions 153 of base portion 143 (e.g. left side)with flange 147 or its respective concavely rounded shoulder 154 formedbetween the flange and wall 146 a on the left side of tuft block 140opposite the right flange engaging the bottom surface of the bristleholding portion and direction of tilt.

Further partial clockwise rotation of drive shaft 130 and eccentric cam139 vertically lowers the tuft block 140 towards the bottom verticalposition “B” while at least partially or fully maintaining the secondfully tilted orientation P2 during the translated vertical motion, asshown in FIG. 4G. During this lowering motion, the left side outwardlyflared leg extension 153 of base portion 143 maintains contact with andpivots about the left side flange 147 and/or the left shoulder 154 oftoothbrush head portion 104. On the opposing side of tuft block 140, theright flange 147 slides downwards along curved lateral surface 155 onintermediate portion 144 (compare. FIGS. 4F and 4G).

Further partial clockwise rotation of the drive shaft 130 as shown inFIG. 4H pivots and tilts the tuft block 140 back toward the verticalaxis VA in the first lateral direction (i.e. left) and back towardsbottom vertical position “B”. During the action, contact may be brokenbetween the left side outwardly flared leg extension 153 of base portion143 the left side flange 147 and/or the left shoulder 154 of toothbrushhead portion 104.

Referring to FIG. 4I, continuing partial clockwise rotation of driveshaft 130 returns tuft block 140 to the starting bottom verticalposition “B” and an upright orientation as shown. This completes oneoscillation cycle of tuft block 140 and a complete 360 degree revolutionof drive shaft 130. The operation of toothbrush 100 and oscillatingmotions of tuft block 140 may continue by repeating the foregoingprocess steps.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of toothbrush 100 in which tuftblock 140 and head portion 104 are slightly reconfigured to providelateral pivoting and tilting brushing motion only without verticalmovement or displacement with respect to toothbrush head portion 104. Inthis configuration, tuft block 240 includes a base portion 243 havingopposing convex arcuately curved bearing surfaces 164 configured forengaging complementary configured bearing surfaces 165 formed inreceptacle 145 of toothbrush head portion 104. The concave arcuatelycurved bearing surfaces 165 may be formed on opposing receptacle walls246 a, 246 b which further define opposing flanges 247 extendinginwardly towards vertical axis VA. Flanges 247 are formed on a topportion of walls 246 a, 246 b and form a reduced width entrance 148 toreceptacle 145 from front side 111 of toothbrush head 110 that precludeswithdrawal of tuft block 240 through the front side.

The intermediate portion 244 of tuft block 240 may be severely truncatedin height in contrast to intermediate portion 144 of tuft block 140(see, e.g. FIG. 3) since this embodiment does not translate axially in avertical direction. Base portion 243 defines a bottom surface 250 whichengages pivot protuberance 149 in a similar manner to that alreadydescribed for tuft block 140. In this embodiment, a pair of laterallyspaced and downwardly extending ribs 166 may be provided between whichprotuberance 149 is received. Ribs 166 may be axially elongated inlength along the longitudinal axis LA in toothbrush head portion 104similarly to protuberance 149.

In operation, rotating drive shaft 130 oscillates tuft block 240laterally sideways in opposing rocking or tilting motions and directionsabout central axis CA of the drive shaft via engagement of cam 139 withslot 141 in the tuft block. The vertical centerline VC of tuft block 240will alternatingly be disposed at various angles to vertical axis VA oftoothbrush head portion 104 during the oscillating motions. It should benoted that components not numbered in FIG. 5 are similar to the samecomponents labeled in FIG. 3 unless specifically noted otherwise.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict an alternative embodiment of toothbrush headportion 104 which includes a single oscillating tuft block 140. In thisembodiment, tuft block has a generally oval shape (in top plan view) andis disposed near distal end 105 of toothbrush head 110. The tooth motordriven cleaning elements 106A comprise a plurality of bristles andelastomeric elements as shown. The tuft block 140 may be configured asshown in FIG. 3 for replicating Bass type brushing motions, oralternatively may be configured as shown in FIG. 5 for producing onlylateral back and forth pivoting or tilting brushing action with respectto longitudinal axis LA.

As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each andevery value that is within the range. Any value within the range can beselected as the terminus of the range. In addition, all references citedherein are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entireties. In theevent of a conflict in a definition in the present disclosure and thatof a cited reference, the present disclosure controls.

While the invention has been described with respect to specific examplesincluding presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variationsand permutations of the above described systems and techniques. It is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural andfunctional modifications may be made without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. Thus, the spirit and scope of the inventionshould be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for oscillating a first movable tuftblock of a powered toothbrush in a brushing action, the methodcomprising: (a) providing a powered toothbrush having a head portioncomprising a vertical axis and including a rotatable drive shaft drivenby a motor, the head portion including a first movable tuft blockoperably coupled to the drive shaft and movable in an oscillation cyclethrough a bottom vertical position and a top vertical position; (b)placing the first movable tuft block in the bottom vertical positionwith the first movable tuft block in an upright orientation wherein atop surface of the tuft block faces upwards; (c) rotating the driveshaft; (d) pivoting the first movable tuft block outwards away from thevertical axis in a first lateral direction and into a first tiltedorientation wherein the top surface of the first movable tuft blockfaces outwards away from the vertical axis; (e) vertically raising thefirst movable tuft block towards the top vertical position while atleast partially maintaining the first tilted orientation; (f) pivotingthe first movable tuft block inwards back toward the vertical axis andinto the top vertical position wherein the first movable tuft blockresumes an upright orientation; (g) pivoting the first movable tuftblock outwards away from the vertical axis in a second lateral directionand into a second tilted orientation wherein the top surface of thefirst movable tuft block faces outwards away from the vertical axis; (h)vertically lowering the first movable tuft block towards the bottomvertical position while at least partially maintaining the second tiltedorientation; and (i) pivoting the first movable tuft block inwards inthe first lateral direction back towards the vertical axis and into thebottom vertical position wherein the first movable tuft block resumes anupright orientation, thereby completing one oscillation cycle of thefirst movable tuft block.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the motionsteps of the first movable tuft block are completed during a 360 degreerotation of the drive shaft.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the tuftblock defines a vertical centerline which is disposed at an anglebetween 0 and 90 degrees to the vertical axis of the head portion of thetoothbrush when the first movable tuft block is in the first or secondtilted orientation.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprisingengaging an offset eccentric cam formed on the drive shaft with avertically elongated slot formed in the first movable tuft block,wherein the cam rotates about an axis of rotation defined by the driveshaft and drives the first movable tuft block through the motions ofsteps (d) to (i).
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the top surface ofthe first movable tuft block includes a plurality of openings configuredfor mounting tooth cleaning elements.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising engaging an intermediate portion of the first movable tuftblock with one of a pair of inwardly extending opposing operatingflanges formed in the head portion of the toothbrush during step (d) andstep (g).
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising engaging anoutwardly flared leg extension formed on the first movable tuft blockwith one of a pair of inwardly extending opposing operating flangesformed in the head portion of the toothbrush during step (d) and step(g).
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the head portion ofthe toothbrush including a pivot which engages a bottom surface of thefirst movable tuft block.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the firstmovable tuft block includes an upper bristle holding portion, a lowerbase portion, and a narrowed intermediate portion joined between thebristle holding and base portions, wherein the first movable tuft blockis free floating in which the bristle holding, base, and intermediateportions are not physically attached to the head portion of thetoothbrush.